Garfield County Air Show salutes warbirds and World War II

<b>Contributed Photo</b>The Texas Raiders B-17 Flying Fortress pays tribute to the pilots of World War II. The Raiders are among the acts appearing at the Garfield County Air Show Friday and Saturday in Rifle.

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Take a nostalgic trip back in time, when ladies styled their hair with victory rolls and airplanes were painted like sharks, at the Garfield County Air Show.

"This year our theme is the 1940s," said airshow coordinator Krista DeHerrera, of Valley Events. "Warbirds and planes from the World War II genre, and the music from that era."

The Garfield County Air Show, a free event, features vintage airplanes, parachute jumpers, and a musical lineup of the Ladies of Liberty and the Barron Steffen Orchestra to celebrate the patriotism and aeronautics of the '40s.

DeHerrera said the music should bring back memories and mirror some of the more contemporary Big Band sounds heard in today's popular acts.

"The Ladies of Liberty are a tribute to the USO, 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,' Andrews Sisters-type music," she said. "Barron Steffen and his orchestra are a mix between Michael Buble and Harry Connick Jr."

Along with live music, kids' activities such as a full-flight simulator, bungee jump, and a crafts station to build foam or wood planes will be offered. Air show attendees can peruse the merchant village with nearly 60 booths featuring arts and crafts, nonprofits from the valley, and a food court.

This year's show also features an increase in the number of static aircraft to view on the ground with nearly 20 on display.

"That's up from the five to seven we've had in the past," DeHerrera said.

For those seeking a rush of adrenaline, aircraft rides will be available starting at $75, in planes such as a B-17 bomber, a Cessna, and a plane called The Avenger.

"It's great to have the opportunity to get into an aircraft like that," DeHerrera said. "This is a great alternative to celebrate the U.S. and our heritage, especially since it's free to the public."